A dental bridge replaces missing teeth, helping to restore your smile, confidence, and ability to chew and speak. However, keeping a dental bridge in good shape requires more than just regular brushing. You need a special cleaning routine to maintain its function and appearance.
Without proper care, food and plaque can build up around the bridge. This can lead to gum disease, bad breath, gum pain and damage to nearby teeth.
In this guide, we’ll provide simple steps for cleaning your dental bridge, tailored to its specific type. With the right techniques and tools, you can keep your dental bridge strong, healthy, and long lasting.
Types of Dental Bridges and Their Cleaning Needs
Dental bridges come in various types, each serving specific dental needs. They fill the gaps left by missing teeth, but their design affects how you clean them. Here’s an overview of the types of dental bridges and the best cleaning methods for each.
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common type. They consist of one or more false teeth supported by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth.
- Cleaning Challenges: It’s difficult to clean under the false tooth, where food and plaque can accumulate.
- Cleaning Tips: Use a floss threader or super floss to clean under the false tooth. A water flosser or Waterpik can also help remove debris. Pay special attention to the gum line where the bridge meets the supporting teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridges
Cantilever bridges are supported by a single crown on one side, often used when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap.
- Cleaning Challenges: These bridges place more pressure on the supporting tooth, which can lead to gum issues and decay.
- Cleaning Tips: Be gentle around the supporting tooth. Use interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas. Check for any wear or gum sensitivity and consult your dentist if necessary.
Maryland Dental Bridges
Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework that attaches to the backs of adjacent teeth, typically for front teeth.
- Cleaning Challenges: The adhesive wings can make cleaning around the bonded areas difficult, leading to plaque buildup.
- Cleaning Tips: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the framework without causing damage. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the bridge.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
These bridges are supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth, making them stable and durable, especially for replacing multiple missing teeth.
- Cleaning Challenges: While implants resist decay, surrounding gums can still become infected if not cleaned properly.
- Cleaning Tips: Use a water flosser to clean around the implants and under the bridge. Opt for non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant surface. Clean the gum line thoroughly to prevent peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease that affects implants.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Dental Bridges
A daily cleaning routine is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental bridge. Proper cleaning helps prevent gum disease, plaque buildup, and bad breath while ensuring your bridge stays strong and functional. Here’s a simple guide to keep your dental bridge in great shape.
Brush Twice Daily
Brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean all sides of your teeth, focusing on the edges of your bridge where plaque and food can build up. Use fluoride toothpaste, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and use gentle circular motions. Brush carefully around the bridge to avoid damaging it.
Floss under the Bridge
Food and bacteria can accumulate under dental bridges, leading to gum disease and decay. Cleaning underneath the bridge is just as crucial as cleaning around it. Flossing under the bridge removes trapped debris, reducing the risk of infections and cavities.
To floss under the bridge, use traditional floss with a threader or super floss. Insert the threader under the bridge, then gently move the floss back and forth. Make sure to clean under the gums and around each anchor tooth. A water flosser is also a good option, using a steady stream of water to remove food particles and plaque.
Rinse with the Appropriate Mouthwash
An alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash helps kill bacteria when brushing isn’t possible. Swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Avoid rinsing with water afterward to maintain mouth freshness.
Choose the Right Tool
Regular floss can’t reach under or between the bridge effectively. Use tools like superfloss, floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water pik to clean under the bridge. These tools help remove food and bacteria from hard-to-reach spots.
Avoid Bad Oral Habits
To keep your dental bridge healthy, avoid sugary foods and drinks, as sugar leads to tooth decay. Limit acidic foods and avoid things that can stain your teeth. Additionally, steer clear of habits like grinding your teeth, which can damage both your teeth and bridge.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dentist visits are crucial for keeping your bridge clean and your mouth healthy. Professional cleanings are more thorough than brushing and flossing alone. During your visit, your dentist can also check for any wear or damage to your dental bridge and address it as needed.
What is the best way to clean under a dental bridge?
To clean under a dental bridge effectively, use specialized tools that remove debris without damaging your gums or the bridge. Here are the best options for cleaning under your bridge:
- Dental Picks: Dental picks with soft rubber tips are safer than regular toothpicks for removing food particles from under the bridge.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers use a focused stream of water to clean hard-to-reach spots, especially along the gum line. They help dislodge food particles and plaque buildup effectively.
- Super Floss: Super floss has stiff ends and a spongy middle, making it great for cleaning under the bridge and removing plaque.
- Interdental Brushes: For larger gaps, use interdental brushes to get a thorough clean between the bridge and your teeth.
- Mouthwash: Finish by rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and keep your gums healthy.
Always be gentle when using these tools and ask your dentist for specific advice on the best method for your particular dental bridge.
Conclusion
Maintaining your dental bridge is essential for a bright smile and optimal oral health. A consistent daily routine of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent plaque, gum disease, and tooth decay. Tailor your cleaning techniques based on the type of bridge you have for better results.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensure your bridge stays strong and your oral health remains in good condition.
At Enhance Dental Centre, we offer personalized advice, professional cleanings, and expert care for both your dental bridge and overall oral health. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment. Together, we can keep your smile healthy and your bridge in great shape!
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